Greater Wellington
COVID-19 Hub

Everyone in in Aotearoa New Zealand aged 5 and over can get their free COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination is still the most effective tool we have to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19. It helps protect you from getting the virus, or from getting very sick if you do catch it.

You can get COVID-19 more than once. So even if you've already had it and recovered, it's still important to get the doses you are eligible for. 

  • Anyone aged 12 and over is eligible for two doses at least 3 weeks apart.
  • Anyone aged 5-11 years old is eligible for two doses at least 8 weeks apart.

Recently, vaccination requirements for children turning 12 years old were updated. If a child turns 12 years old before their second dose, they will receive the adult dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

An 8-week gap is recommended between the paediatric and adult doses. This change only affects those who turn 12 between receiving their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.  Children under 12 are still only eligible for paediatric doses.

For more information click here

Vaccinations are available at clinics, GPs and pharmacies throughout our region. Find a clinic that accepts walk-ins or book through Book My Vaccine.

Vaccination after COVID-19 - wait 3 months

1 March 2023 - bivalent vaccine replaced the previous Pfizer booster.

The new Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is now available to New Zealanders as a booster dose for those eligible. Staying up to date with your recommended COVID-19 vaccinations will help to ensure you are protected ahead of winter.

The newer booster is considered likely to be more effective against Omicron subvariants than earlier vaccines.

From 1 April 2023 - eligibility expanded for additional boosters

An additional booster dose is now available to:

  • pregnant people 16 years and over (eligibility since 1 May 2023)
  • anyone aged 30 and over who has completed their primary course (2 doses) as long as it has been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.
  • anyone at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 who has completed their primary course (2 doses), as long as it’s been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test
If you are 16 to 29 years old, you can have 1 booster dose

You can have a booster if:

  • it has been at least 6 months since you had your first 2 COVID-19 vaccinations (your primary course)
  • it has been at least 6 months since you had COVID-19.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness

If you are 16 to 29 years old and at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you can have an extra booster dose.

Higher risk groups include:

  • severely immunocompromised people 
  • people who live with a disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities
  • people with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
If you are 12 to 15 years old

Healthy children under 16 years old cannot get a booster.

Children aged 12 to 15 who are severely immunocompromised can get a booster if a doctor or healthcare provider recommends this.

Read more about Booster Vaccines and eligibility on the Unite against COVID-19 website

How to check when your last vaccine was

You can check when your last vaccination was by logging into My Covid Record.  

To find out over the phone, call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 282926.  You can call between 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

If you are eligible for a booster, you can book:
📞By calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).

Book your vaccination

Book online to make sure you can get vaccinated at your preferred time and place.

Where to get vaccinated

Find your closest vaccination site.

About the vaccine

Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine, how it was developed and how it helps protect us against the virus.

Information for disabled people

Find an accessible clinic near you.

AstraZeneca vaccine - No Longer Available in New Zealand

The AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer available in New Zealand.

Vaccination for people with health conditions

If you have an existing health condition or are immunocompromised there is special advice around vaccination for you.

Vaccine facts

It's important to get accurate information about the vaccine. You can find more videos like this one on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.

 

Side effects

Like all medicines, you might experience some mild side effects in the days after getting your vaccination. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus.

Most side effects do not last long, and will not stop you from having a second dose or going about your daily life. Some side effects may temporarily affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

The most common reported reactions are:

  • pain or swelling at the injection site
  • feeling tired or fatigued
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • chills
  • joint pain
  • fever
  • redness at the injection site
  • nausea.

Some side effects are more common after the second or booster dose. Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are similar in young people to those seen in adults. 

Find out more